The Bridge | Bringing the Joy of Music & Learning to All Generations

"I knew assisted living was best for me and my family. But, honestly, I was very worried about being bored. With the Bridge as part of our program, I have so many little friends to see, visit with and even eat with each day. And the music and the talent that they bring in for us is delightful! They are professional singers from New York and California! The kids and the music really give me a reason to get up everyday! I love it here!"

ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENT

"When we moved away from Ohio, I missed my Granny and Grampa so much, but now I have so many people who look like them and I can play with them and sing with them and be with them, just like I did with Granny and Grampa"

PRESCHOOL ATTENDEE

"Sometimes we performers get wrapped up in the auditions and what the world sees as success. It's really awesome to be able to reconnect with the gift of performing and to see what music does to lift the spirits of the elderly and help them to remember their past. It's also cool to see how music really can help to bridge the generations! I am so happy that there is a program like this, to give us the chance to get out of our box and give back. I love it!"

PERFORMER

The Bridge is an intergenerational movement connecting professional artists and senior citizens through artists’ residencies, virtual concerts and intimate storytelling experiences. We believe that seniors play a vital role in the fabric of our communities, and we are committed to giving a voice to their stories and to revolutionizing the quality of their care.

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Morning at Brookdale, a few people here and there. All alone is a man with what appears a blank stare. Who is that man in the corner, and what’s on his mind? Is he crazy or lonely or just done with the grind?

People think he’s not “there” and has nothing to say. They don’t look at him or converse with him. They stay out of his way. But maybe someone should look up, talk and take a moment For they need to see that his mind is not dormant!

Lunchtime at Brookdale, and people share tables and good food. It appears that the socializing is really great for the mood. But who is that man all alone at the table and what’s in his brain? Are there memories or the same reel playing again and again?

The others don’t see him or don’t want to see him. For they know that one circumstance, and they may BE him. But maybe they should see that he is the same as they are inside, And he wants to be seen. He has nothing to hide.

Evening at Brookdale and people buzzing around. Many people have friendships….new friends they have found. But the man in the corner…What’s going on in his head? Is he wishing for those friendships or to be somewhere else instead?

Then the music begins, and the man comes alive. Now it’s easy to see that there’s so much inside! There is passion and memories and a deep sense of longing, For a place to express and a need for belonging. There’s a man of great talents and memories like us all, Only sometimes those memories seem hard to recall. But the music takes over and lifts up his spirit. His mouth opens wide with a smile…his voice so strong you can hear it. His memories take over when there was passion and romance, When his arms held a woman and his legs, they could dance. Tears fill his eyes as these memories are so sweet. He closes his eyes, sings a song, moves his feet. The magic of music lives right in this place. The magic of music, written all over his face.

Bedtime at Brookdale, and lights are slowly turning out. There are far fewer people now, shuffling about. But the man in the corner, what’s in his heart? Now what’s in his soul? Tonight, he smiles as romance, laughter and music seem to fill that hole.

The man in the corner is all human kind as the years go by fast Wishing to just hang on, wishing a way to make it all last. The man in the corner, after many and many a mile. The beauty of love and life now reflected in his smile

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Seniors

Human interaction and touch through the children and the visiting performing artists.

Children

Benefit and learn from the residents and the visiting performing artists.

Artists

Share the love of their craft and their talents with the young and the elderly.

Facility

Feel a sense of pride for being part of something that so positively effects their community.

Family

Know that their loved one’s lives are being enriched through youth, laughter, friendship and music.

Community

Creates a community of compassion, empathy and respect for ALL members.

Want to find out more?

If you would like to find out more about us or about how you can get involved, please contact us by phone (843) 816-4070, email us at info@bridgethegenerations.com or complete our contact us form.